Preliminary Damage Estimates Put Owens Hall Fire at More Than $4.5 Million

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Damage to contents is still being calculated as crews are examining more than 2,000 electronic items to see if they can be restored. Bancroft Hall is expected to be open in time for the return of students to classes on Monday.

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Winthrop University officials said preliminary damage estimates for the March 6 Owens Hall complex fire are more than $4.5 million. It will cost $1.5 million to stabilize and clean up Owens Hall and at least another $3 million to restore it.

Damage to contents is still being calculated as crews are examining more than 2,000 electronic items to see if they can be restored. Owens Hall, which opened in fall 2007, was infused with “smart technology” and computer-equipped academic spaces.

Bancroft Hall, a second building affected by fire containment efforts, is expected to be open in time for the return of students to classes on Monday. Winthrop students have been on spring break this week.

Investigators with the Rock Hill Fire Department said the fire originated on a small section of the flat roof on Owens Hall. The cause is still under investigation.